Consultation opens on London’s road fines

Drivers in London are being asked to comment on the level of parking and traffic fines in the capital and whether the current system of two tiers of fines is working correctly.

A three month consultation has been launched by London Councils, the body which represents local boroughs in the capital, and Transport for London.

As part of the consultation Londoners are being asked whether the current two tier system, under which contraventions on Transport for London managed roads and more serious contraventions on borough managed roads incur a higher penalty, is working. This system was introduced in July 2007 following consultation in 2006.

Views are also being sought on how much penalties should be for a range of traffic offences including contraventions of parking regulations and misuse of bus lanes.

Following the the consultation TfL and London Councils will make a final decision on the level of future fines and any changes to the system which will then go for approval by Mayor of London Boris Johnson and Secretary of State for Transport.

Chair of London Councils Transport and Environment Committee, Councillor Catherine West said: “We know that parking penalties are a contentious issue and we are encouraging everyone to have their say in this consultation.

“We must ensure penalties are at the right level to deter motorists from stopping the flow of traffic by parking illegally or carrying out dangerous manoeuvres which put other road users at risk.

“We also recognise motorists like everyone else are facing tough times and we want to be as fair as possible in parking enforcement.”